Want exoticism on a remote island? Apply for a visa to Sri Lanka, pack your bags and let’s go on an extraordinary trip!
Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, forming a teardrop in southern India a little paradise still unknown. Long marked by British presence, the country nevertheless managed to preserve its ancestral traditions, in which the Buddhist and Hindu religions occupied an important place. With its beaches lined with coconut trees, ancient cities infested with forests, wild elephants and mountains planted by tea trees, Sri Lanka has everything to please the traveler! But before embarking on an extraordinary adventure, some formalities will be necessary. Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka? How to take Here is an overview of the steps to take!
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
All citizens of the European Union, as well as Swiss, British and Canadians, under applicable immigration laws,visa requirement To stay in Sri Lanka. The type of visa will be different, depending on the reason for your visit to Sri Lanka as well as the length of your stay. For example, in case of simple scale at a Sri Lankan airport, you will still need to apply for a transit visa. THEM little children they must apply for a visa following the same formalities as their parents.

Electronic visas for Sri Lanka
The vast majority of travelers should apply. online visa for sri lanka. This’estimated time of arrival (Electronic Travel Permit) entitles you to stay in the country on good terms with local authorities. To get it you have to go to the official immigration website and fill the form online. No documents are required, you will only need to provide the following information:
- your to identify (surname, first name, date of birth and country),
- your details complete (address and telephone number in France),
- your passport numberregulation and expiration dates, as well as
- your job and your employer’s contact information (if you are not working, indicate “no”)
- destination city Contact details of your first hotel and in Sri Lanka,
- This flight number and the name of the received airline.
electronic visa simple : Therefore, each passenger must make their own request by completing this form and paying at the end of the entry (via Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Even if the form is in French, enter the requested information correctly. Indeed, the immigration service reserves the right to reject any visa application that is inaccurate or contains typos.
What happens when the form is complete?
After completing the form and making payment, you will receive two emails : A first to confirm that your request has been considered. And a second giving you the ETA It is highly recommended to print this confirmation! Once your visa is received, 6 months to enter the country. After this period has passed, you will need to repeat the same steps and pay for a new visa.
when you arrive In Sri Lanka you will need to present:
- approval your e-visa,
- your passport. This document must be in perfect condition, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and contain at least 3 blank pages, 2 of which are face-to-face.
- And return flight ticket.
- A identity page back to the plane.
In addition, remember that there are three types of electronic visas for Sri Lanka!
Tourist or business estimated arrival time
What you need to do first when filling the Sri Lanka visa application form choose visa type this concerns you. Most of the time tourist estimated arrival time which one is most suitable. It is aimed at travelers who want to go to Sri Lanka to visit the country, visit relatives, or even take a yoga class. when it comes business forecast forecastIt is intended for travelers going to Sri Lanka for professional reasons (meetings, conferences, training, etc.).
These two e-visas valid for 30 days from the date of your entry into the zone. Two entries given with this visa, for example to go for a getaway to India or the Maldives. However, if you want to return to Sri Lanka later, you will have to do everything within 30 days. once there, possible to extend Check the duration of your electronic visa (available in most major cities) by going to the Immigration Office head office. In this case, it is safer to start the extension process at least 8 days before the expiry date of your visa. These two ETAs cost €52. Tourist ETA Free for children under 12however, they are still obliged to fill in the visa application form.
L’ETA pass
If you are only transiting Sri Lanka between two flights, you must apply for a transit ETA, even if you are staying in the international terminal area of the airport. This visa free and applies to maximum duration 48 hours from your arrival time.

What are the other types of visas for Sri Lanka?
It is also possible to obtain other visas: for this, inquire directly at: Sri Lankan Embassy in Paris.
visit visa
If you want to stay in Sri Lanka for a longer period of time, this visa may interest you. Valid for 3 months, cost 80€. visit visa multiple entries, that is, during this time, you can enter and leave the area as often as you wish. you will have to get it presenting documents To the embassy’s immigration officer:
- Original and color photocopy of your passport,
- a copy of your return flight ticket,
- filled visa application form,
- a payment method (cash or credit card).
business visas
It is also valid for 3 months. two different prices : 85 € for two entries in Sri Lankan territory or 109 € for an undetermined number of entries. What you need to do to get a business visa have the following documents :
- Original and photocopy of your passport,
- your return flight ticket,
- completed “Commercial Visa” form,
- Invitation letter from the company on the site,
- A letter from your French company.
resident visa
valid for 1 year and renewable, residency visa is for people who want to stay longer in Sri Lankan territory for different reasons (visit, study, work, humanitarian mission, etc.). A Tourist ETA cannot be converted to a residence visa, so you will need to leave the country to get your case in order. Submit the following documents To make your request:
- your passport with a photocopy,
- completed “Entry Visa” form,
- A letter of agreement from Sri Lanka immigration office,
- A means of payment to pay the €32 fee.
How long does it take to get a Sri Lanka visa?
It takes a while to get the ETA for traveling to Sri Lanka. 1 to 3 working days after making your request. To ensure you have it on time, it is recommended to perform the procedures at least 15 days before your trip. The delays are much longer if you want to get a Sri Lankan visa at the embassy: plan between 10 and 15 days to wait!
How to get an easy and fast visa? if you want to be sureGet your Sri Lanka visa on timeto go past Fast Visa It will make your job a lot easier! How does it work ? Give them all the requested information and they will check and fill out the form for you. With fast and very simple serviceYou won’t be able to do without it on all your trips abroad!

After obtaining a Sri Lankan visa, prepare your trip ! To do this, be sure to read our exclusive articles: a practical guide to visiting the country in peace, the most beautiful beaches and even 10 must-see places! Did you like this article? Feel free to share your travel experiences with us in the comments!
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